The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Co-operative Bank of Kenya emerged as the most searched commercial bank in Kenya between January and September 2026, according to a digital search analysis covering 38 lenders across 41 urban centres.
The bank recorded a Share of Interest (SSI) score of 100, placing it ahead of Absa Bank, which came second with 61.24, followed by Equity Bank at 45.90, KCB Bank at 37.96 and Family Bank at 26.42.
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NCBA Bank and I&M Bank ranked sixth and seventh, scoring 21.31 and 14.15 respectively.
The report indicated that 12 banks registered no measurable search interest compared with the leading lender during the review period. They included Bank of India, ABC Bank, Consolidated Bank, DIB Bank Kenya, Ecobank Kenya, Guardian Bank, Gulf African Bank, Habib Bank AG Zurich, Mayfair CIB Bank, Paramount Bank, Prime Bank, Spire Bank and UBA Kenya.
How banks performed across towns
The analysis revealed significant differences in online search interest across various towns, with different lenders taking the lead in specific locations.
Co-op Bank recorded strong performances in Maua, Siaya and Mariakani, capturing 80%, 82% and 81% of search interest respectively. The lender also led in Migori with 47% and Eldoret with 42%.
Absa Bank recorded its strongest performance in Masimba, where it accounted for 100% of search interest. It also led in Garissa with 65% and Karuri with 49%.
Equity Bank topped the rankings in Karuri with 51%, Murang’a and Kapsabet with 29% each, and Tatu City with 27%.
Meanwhile, KCB Bank recorded its highest share in Webuye at 55%, followed by Voi at 42%.
Family Bank also registered notable search interest in Kitale, where it recorded 19%, Nanyuki at 18% and Naivasha at 16%.
Co-op Bank maintains its lead
Co-op Bank retained the top position throughout the 40-week review period, with its SSI score reaching a high of 100 in February.
The analysis also identified a sharp increase in online search interest for several lenders during the week of July 26, 2026.
Equity Bank’s score climbed to 79 from 33.4, while KCB Bank’s rose to 70.5 from 27.5. Credit Bank registered an even more dramatic increase, with its score rising to 48 from a baseline of approximately 2.1, representing a roughly 23-fold jump.
The findings highlight differences in online search behaviour among Kenyan banking institutions and across urban centres.
However, the analysis measures online search interest rather than actual banking performance. It does not reflect customer numbers, deposits, lending volumes or overall market share.
